Best Online Master’s in Public Health

Best Online Master’s in Public Health

Best Online Master’s in Public Health

Best Online Master’s in Public Health

Enact long-lasting, positive change in local to global communities with one of the nation’s best online Master’s of Public Health degrees.

Are you passionate about health promotion and education? Do you envision yourself designing effective, innovative health programs that will enhance communities at all levels? Then a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) degree may be just right for you!

What kind of Master’s of Public Health degree should you get?

Though some MPH programs allow you to specialize and others offer a broad-based education in public health, all programs will give you a foundation in evidence-based practice, prevention and control, and research methodology. From there you can either take electives that match your passions and interests, or specialize.

Some schools offer specialization in unique fields, such as Global Disaster Management, while most offer the traditional concentrations: in epidemiology, administration and management, biostatistics, and policy.

To get a pulse on some of the best online colleges and universities in the country, be sure to visit our 2017 ranking. That list has everything you need to know about online education, from the distance experience to the top programs.

How much money do people make with a Master’s of Public Health degree?

What’s more, these jobs are projected to be exponentially on demand in the forthcoming years. So not only is the MPH degree one that brings forth a lucrative career, it also brings with it flexibility and stability.

What are the requirements for a Master’s of Public Health degree?

Though most programs hope you have a public health background, don’t fret! You can use any work or volunteer experience to fill the gaps. Mostly, these universities just want to see how you’ve already gotten involved in public health.

And just a heads up before you apply, they all require the GRE. Most require some time spent on campus too. We’ve been sure to note which.

Once accepted you can anticipate two years of classes on social and behavioral science, environmental health, research, biostatistics, and administration. And most programs will require you complete a field experience, if not also an internship and capstone project.

What are the best Master’s of Public Health degrees?

Those these programs vary in terms of specialization and requirements, they all share one thing one common: they are the best online MPH programs in the country. Whether you want to work in epidemiology or health administration, one of these MPH programs will set you on the right path.

To determine the best MHP programs we started first with the academic reputation of each public health school nationwide that offers the degree online. We then looked into retention rates, as it is a telling sign of student satisfaction. From there we factored in affordability and the early salaries of graduates. After such exhaustive research, we ended up with those programs that are the absolute best in the nation at training leaders of public health. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World ReportandThe National Center for Education Statistics.

1

University of California-Berkeley

College Choice Score: 100

Average Net Price: $17,160

Hands down, one of the most prestigious and innovative schools in the nation, the University of California at Berkeley is a leader among public universities. Founded in the middle of the nineteenth century, it is also one of the oldest universities on the West Coast and among the UC system. Over 40k students attend Berkeley.

Features

The online MPH program at Berkeley takes 27 months to complete and was specifically designed with working professionals in mind. While most of the coursework is completed online, you will still be expected to visit campus twice during the program. In addition to learning about the prevention of environmental health hazards, disease spreading, community disasters, and more, you will take classes that cover:

Epidemiology

Social and Behavioral Science

Biostatistics

Health Services Management

Notables

UC Berkeley is a top-ranked university, as are its many departments and disciplines. The School of Public Health, for instance, has a number of degree programs ranked among the top ten best of their kind. It was also the first School of Public Health established west of the Mississippi.

2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

College Choice Score: 99.15

Average Net Price: $10,077

One of the country’s oldest public universities, the Chapel Hill arm of the greater University of North Carolina system (UNC) is now organized into fourteen schools. UNC prides itself on delivering a liberal arts education to each of its 30k students, regardless of major. UNC Chapel Hill is a flagship university.

Features

This two-year, online Master of Healthcare Administration program is ideal for those who want to enforce public health standards in hospital, health systems, and clinical settings. At UNC you will have the unique opportunity to earn a graduate global health certificate by taking international health courses and participating in immersion internships. Some of the classes in this program include:

Healthcare in the United States: Structure and Policy

Public Health Concepts in a Systems Context

Health Economics for Policy and Administration

Health Law

Notables

U.S. News & World Report, ARWU, Forbes, and Washington Monthly are just some of the sources that rank UNC as a top national university. But even more, U.S. News recently designated the Gillings School of Global Public Health as the top public health school in the nation.

3

George Washington University

College Choice Score: 97.77

Average Net Price: $39,562

George Washington University (GWU) is located in Washington D.C. and is home to 27k graduate and undergraduate students. It is organized into fourteen colleges, though it is most known for its elite Elliott School of International Affairs, the School of Public Health, and the School of Media and Public Affairs.

Features

Earn a Master of Public Health degree in just 12 months at George Washington University. This intensive program (which can also be completed in 18 months) can be completed online, but requires you to be a full-time (non-working) student. Whichever program you enroll in, GWU ensures you receive a solid foundation in public health theory and application. Five areas of specialization are offered:

Environmental and Occupational Health

Global Health

Health Communication

Health Policy

Program Planning and Evaluation

Notables

On top of its academic rankings, George Washington University receives accolades in a number of areas. For example, The Princeton Review counts GWU as one of the most politically active schools, with the best study abroad programs, located in one of the country’s best college towns.

4

A.T. Still University

College Choice Score: 96.72

Average Net Price: $21,652

Located in Kirksville, Missouri with a second campus in Arizona, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) is a private graduate school. All of its 30 degree programs, which are housed in six schools, focus on the health sciences. Over 3k graduate students attend ATSU.

Features

Offered through the School of Health Management, ATSU’s Master of Public Health degree can be earned in as few as 18 months. This program, which can be completed fully online, prepares students for careers in an array of areas, from administration to direct client care. In fact, ATSU provides four areas of concentration:

Oral Public Health

Health Policy and Administration

Health Planning

Environmental Health

Notables

Due to its academic emphases, this may come as no surprise, but ATSU is well regarded for its commitment to health. It was recently awarded a Fit-Friendly Worksite Gold Achievement by the American Heart Association. It is also considered a top military friendly school too.

5

University of North Texas Health Science Center

College Choice Score: 96.42

Average Net Price: $28,766

Part of the larger University of North Texas System, the Health Science Center (UNTHSC) is a graduate school. It is based in Fort Worth, Texas and offers degrees in medicine, public health, pharmacy, physical therapy, and biomedicine. Approximately 2k students attend UNTHSC.

Features

UNTHSC’s Master of Public Health program is comprised of 48 credit hours that can be taken online. You’ll have the option to concentrate in either Global Health or Geographic Information Systems, in addition to being trained in a variety of public health services. For example, some of the classes you’ll take include:

Environmental Determinants of Health

Health Services Management

Community Assessment and Program Planning

Health Politics and Policy

Notables

UNTHSC is a known hub for health-related research activity. Its campus alone houses a number of renowned research facilities and centers. Among them, the Center for Community Health, the Institute for Public Safety, and the Texas Prevention Institute.

6

Florida International University

College Choice Score: 94.79

Average Net Price: $12,966

Part of the sprawling, twelve-campus State University System of Florida, Florida International University (FIU) is one of the state’s best graduate research schools. FIU offers nearly 300 areas of study to its 55k students. Among the most popular and highly regarded are the engineering, business, health, and law programs.

Features

At FIU you have the option of taking all your MPH classes online, or taking some on campus and the rest from a distance. However you design your degree experience, FIU’s program introduces you to core public health issues while allowing you to explore a diverse range of topics, from chronic disease to health education. FIU’s core courses include:

Health Statistics

Health Behavior and Public Health

Health Policy and Management

Research Methods in Public Health

Notables

Over a dozen departments within FIU are ranked top in the country. In addition to its academic excellence, FIU is also often praised for its affordability, graduating the students with the least amount of debt in the nation.

7

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

College Choice Score: 93.30

Average Net Price: $10,213

Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico State University (NMSU) is a large, research university. It is the oldest public school in the state, with 25k total students, and it is designated a top-tier research university. NMSU is most known for its health and medical science programs.

Features

At New Mexico State University you can earn a MPH degree while concentrating in either community health education or health management, administration, and policy. The NMSU program can also be completed online, but you still be expected to fulfill the fieldwork requirement locally. Furthermore, you can pair your degree with a graduate certificate in one of two areas:

Gerontology

US-Mexico Border Health

Notables

NMSU was recently recognized as being among the top 25 institutions nationwide for effectively including diversity into their STEM programs. It is also considered one of the most LGBT friendly campuses in the nation. NMSU is also home to the state’s NASA Space Grant Program!

8

University of North Dakota

College Choice Score: 90.84

Average Net Price: $14,693

The University of North Dakota (UND), located in Grand Forks, is known for its commitment to liberal arts education, across disciplines and departments. It is now considered a prominent research university, and one of the best sites for scientific research in the Midwest. Nearly 14k combined undergraduate and graduate students study at UND.

Features

Unique to the MHP program at UND is its focus on big health data analytics. Students learn how to transform data into coherent information that influences public health decisions. Two areas of concentration are offered: Population Health Analytics and Health Management and Policy. Further, the UND program is steeped in the following public health fundamentals:

Leading and Managing Public Health Systems

Health Care Systems

Environmental Health for Public Health Professionals

Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health

Notables

UND is a great school in and of itself, but its online learning program is considered among the very best in the nation. It is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, among others. And it is known for providing flexible, convenient, and affordable education to any who seek it.

9

University of Southern California

College Choice Score: 90.58

Average Net Price: $32,932

The University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles. It is a private research university, and the oldest of its kind in the state. Because of its proximity to the Silicon Valley, USC has a long history of providing innovative and business-driven education to its students. But, of course, it also offers degree programs in a diverse range of fields, from medicine to the humanities.

Features

At USC you will work closely with leaders and experts in a range of public health sectors. You will also gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, immersion opportunities, and real-world case work. In addition to core classes covering public health fundamentals, USC offers five areas of concentration to its MPH students:

Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Health Education and Promotion

Global Health Leadership

GeoHealth

Health Services and Policy

Notables

USC is top ranked by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Times Higher Education, Washington Monthly, and much, much more. It is known for its academic rigor, its commitments to sustainability and social justice, and for being home to an array of highly regarded departments.

10

University of Iowa

College Choice Score: 88.20

Average Net Price: $14,161

Located in Iowa City, a cultural hub of the Midwest, the University of Iowa (UI) is a public research institution. UI is the oldest university in Iowa, as well as one of the most highly respected. It is best known for its degree programs in health and medicine, and its hospitals and clinics are nationally ranked.

Features

UI’s College of Public Health offers a MPH degree that not only provides a foundation in public health principles, but its offers a diverse set of electives. This allow students to explore a range of domestic and international health issues, from media and health to feminist activism and global health. UI’s core consists of coursework on:

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System

Global Environmental Health

Biostatistics

Notables

UI’s campus is pocked with several renowned research facilities. Among them are the Institute of Agricultural Medicine and Occupational Health and the Public Policy Center. U.S. News & World Report ranks UI 82nd in the country among all national colleges and universities.

11

University of Florida

College Choice Score: 87.77

Average Net Price: $14,761

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida (UF) is part of the larger State University System of Florida. UF is a major research university organized into 16 colleges and schools. It is most known, however, for its professional programs in business, medicine, engineering, and the health sciences.

Features

UF’s online Master of Public Health degree allows students to concentrate in either public health practice or social and behavioral sciences. Both tracks require 48 completed credit hours, all of which can be completed online. Though this program is taught from a distance, it is nearly identical to the on-campus degree, in terms of schedule, due dates, and lecturing. UF’s core includes the following:

Statistical Methods for Health Science

Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health

Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System

Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Issues in Public Health

Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health

Notables

A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, UF is one of the best public universities in the country. U.S. News & World Report ranks it 9th among U.S. best public schools and 42nd among all national universities and colleges.

12

Emory University

College Choice Score: 85.71

Average Net Price: $24,804

Emory University is a private school. It is located in Atlanta and comprised of nine academic divisions, the most notable being the School of Medicine and the Rollins School of Public Health. Around 15k students attend Emory, a population about evenly split between undergraduate and graduate students.

Features

Emory has one of the most renowned public health colleges in the nation, through which they offer an online MPH degree. In addition to taking classes such as biostatistics, social behavior, and environmental health, to earn your MPH degree you will also complete between 200-400 practicum hours. Emory offers three areas of concentration:

Applied Epidemiology

Applied Public Health Informatics

Prevention Science

Notables

Emory is ranked 21st among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. It is considered both a Hidden Ivy and a New Ivy. The Rollins School of Public Health is consistently included among the top ten best public health schools in the nation.

13

Northern Illinois University

College Choice Score: 85.60

Average Net Price: $19,782

A public research university located in DeKalb, Northern Illinois University (NIU) also has satellite schools around the country. NIU is organized into seven colleges with a student population exceeding 25k. It offers nearly 200 academic programs across all degree levels.

Features

With two concentrations, one in health promotion and the other in health services management, the MPH program at NIU gives students a solid foundation in healthcare education and systems. Students have the opportunity to take a wide base of electives too. Graduates from this program have found careers as:

Community Health Educators

Directors of Education and Emergency Preparedness

Prevention and Wellness Coordinators

Senior Managers of Hospital Systems

Notables

NIU is a member of several elite and prestigious organizations, such as the Universities Research Association. Many of NIU’s programs are well-ranked, including its public health and affairs programs, ranked 41st among all similar departments nationwide. Forbes, Washington Monthly, and U.S. News also add their accolades to NIU’s academic programs.

14

Johns Hopkins University

College Choice Score: 85.53

Average Net Price: $27,352

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private research school. It is most known for its prestigious health and medicine programs. Located in Baltimore, JHU’s proximity to the nation’s capital has resulted in numerous professional relationships with an array of government, national, and medical agencies.

Features

JHU offers a two-year MPH program that is combined with a Master in Business Administration degree. This is the perfect program for those health professionals who are specifically looking to develop their business expertise and knowledge. You will therefore have the opportunity to take classes through the elite Carey Business School. A sampling of classes includes:

Public Health Policy

Corporate Finance

Strategic Human Capital

Population Dynamics

Notables

JHU is a founding member of the American Association of Universities. Its Bloomberg School of Public Health is the country’s first independent public health college. It is well-ranked and the largest public health training school in the U.S.

15

National University

College Choice Score: 85.11

Average Net Price: $22,377

Known for its online and distance education, National University (NU) offers interactive, innovative degree opportunities. Over 23k undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in one of National’s four professional schools, including the well-regarded School of Health and Human Services. National University is based in La Jolla, California.

Features

Uniquely designed for those who want to work in disease prevention, community mental health, or public healthcare administration, National University offers the perfect MPH program. You will engage in a multidisciplinary curriculum that introduces you to a range of social justice issues facing local, national, and global communities. NU classes include:

Theories of Health Behavior

Public Health and the Environment

Global Health Experience

Plus and internship and capstone project

Notables

The National University Library System boasts one of the country’s largest e-book collections. Students have access to nearly 100 electronic databases plus over 24k full text journals. The exhaustive online library system points to NU’s larger mission to provide accessible education to anyone who wants it.

16

Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center

College Choice Score: 82.18

Average Net Price: $10,474

Des Moines University (DMU) is one of the oldest osteopathic medical schools in the country. DMU specializes in providing healthcare education steeped in global perspective. Around 2k students attend Des Moine University.

Features

When earning your MPH degree through DMU you will have the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas: general public health, health services management, or health promotion. Each concentration, however, ensures you graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career in healthcare. The DMU core is comprised of courses such as:

Overview of the U.S. Health Care System

Occupational and Environmental Health

Public Health Administration and Management

Public Health Law, Ethics, and Policy

Notables

DMU is both the largest medical school in Iowa and one of the top 25 largest medical schools in the nation. Students come from all across the country to attend one of the DMU’s renowned graduate program.

17

San Jose State University

College Choice Score: 80.15

Average Net Price: $13,77

One of the founding schools in the California State University system, San Jose State University (SJSU) is the oldest public university on the West Coast. SJSU offers over 100 academic programs to its 32k undergraduate and graduate students. It is organized into eight colleges plus another seven professional schools.

Features

The online MPH degree out of San Jose State University brings together the flexibility of distance learning and the intimacy of a traditional program. Students take courses online but meet once a week for a live class session (also online). Classes cover everything from group training to applied data analysis. In fact, the SJSU curriculum is organized into the following:

A health education core

A public health core

A practicum

Plus a comprehensive exam

Notables

The Princeton Review, Washington Monthly, Business Insider, Money Magazine, and U.S. News & World Report are just some of the publications that praise SJSU. The university is known for its affordability, academic excellence, and its well-ranked public affairs college.

18

Benedictine University

College Choice Score: 79.30

Average Net Price: $20,017

Benedictine University is a Roman Catholic university that maintains a very close relationship with the larger Benedictine Order. It is located in Chicago, Illinois and is organized into four academic schools, including its College of Education and Health Services. Around 6k combined undergraduate and graduate students attend Benedictine University.

Features

At Benedictine University you will learn how to apply a public health systems approach to solve population-related problems, at local, national, and global levels. From disease and disaster to systems administration and management, you’ll gain all the skills and insight into public health you’ll need to be successful in the workforce. Classes include:

Biostatistics

Epidemiology

Methods of Research

And more

Notables

Benedictine University was recently included among “America’s Best Colleges” in Forbes magazine. It has gone on to win that distinction half a dozen times. Similarly, The Chronicle of Higher Education ranks Benedictine University as the fast-growing Roman Catholic university in the nation.

19

University of Maryland-College Park

College Choice Score: 78.97

Average Net Price: $15,757

The University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) is a large public university with nearly 40k students. The university, located near the nation’s capital incorporate research opportunities, internships, and community service into its curriculum. Many of UMCP’s programs have relationships with with federal programs and D.C.-based agencies.

Features

The UMCP Master of Public Health program is notably focused on leadership development. This is clear by the curriculum, but also through the intensive leadership training they provide. UMCP’s curriculum is divided into two core tiers: the principles of public health and public health practice and policy. Classes thus cover:

Healthcare Leadership and Communication

Policy and Politics of Health

Health Economics and Analysis

Public Health Research Methods

Notables

UMCP was recently listed as the 9th “Smartest Public College in America” by Business Insider. U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, ARWU, and Washington Monthly all rank UMCP as among the top 100 best national universities. Its global rankings are similarly impressive.

20

Capella University

College Choice Score: 78.52

Average Net Price: $16,538

Located in Minneapolis, Capella University is owned and managed by the Capella Education Company. Most of Capella’s programs are delivered online, with a majority of its students enrolled in the business, technology, health science, and psychology graduate programs. Over 30k students attend Capella, from all over the country and around the world.

Features

At Capella you will work closely with a professional coach to understand and develop your leadership style. Capella’s MPH program takes seriously the importance of management and leadership in public health, giving students the tools to effectively enact change in local to global communities. Some of the Capella classes you’ll take include:

Social Determinants of Health Equity

Learning to Lead in Public Health Settings

Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation

Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health

Notables

Capella University is a leader in distance graduate education. With its student-centric approach to education, students have the opportunity to earn college credit through past experiences while earning an affordable degree.

21

Michigan State University

College Choice Score: 78.23

Average Net Price: $14,970

Michigan State University (MSU) is located in Lansing, Michigan, the state’s capital. It is a large, public research university that was originally founded as an agricultural college. Though today it offers hundreds of academic programs at all degree levels. Over 50k students attend MSU.

Features

MSU offers a fully online Master of Public Health degree. In this program students learn about the core public health concepts concerning disease prevention, health promotion, data management, and public health planning. In addition to completing a public health core (below) student can explore their own interests and passions through 18 credit hours of electives.

Public Health Administration

Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health

Environmental Factors of Health

Biostatistics for Public Health

Notables

It addition to its numerous rankings, MSU is also known for its research contributions and cultural programming. Campus is home to a large botanical garden, art museums, planetariums, and much more. MSU is a member of the illustrious Association of American Universities.

22

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

College Choice Score: 76.98

Average Net Price: $16,242

Part of the larger University of Minnesota System, the Twin Cities branch (UMN) is a public research institution. UMN is organized into nearly 20 colleges and schools plus another half dozen interdisciplinary research centers. UMN’s School of Public Health is consistently included among the nation’s top ten best public schools.

Features

UMN’s School of Public Health offers an Executive Program in Public Health Practice. This is still a MPH degree, but it requires you already have an advanced degree or a significant amount of work experience in the areas of public health. You’ll take classes online (some of which are listed below) while also participating in field experience.

Public Health as a Team Sport

Fundamentals of Social and Behavioral Science

Ethics in Public Health

Principles of Management in Health Services

Notables

UMN is a flagship university that has produced dozens of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners. It is also a member of the Association of American Universities and ranked 71st among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

23

University of Nebraska Medical Center

College Choice Score: 75.67

Average Net Price: $10,080

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is located in Omaha. In addition to being a medical school it is also a public center of health science research and patient care. UNMC is part of the University of Nebraska system and has an enrollment of around 4k students.

Features

This 45 credit hour, online MPH program at UNMC emphasizes prevention. It also brings in social justice theory while giving students a foundation in scientific knowledge and research methodology. UNMC’s program comes with eight areas of specialization. Some of the more unique concentrations include:

Community Oriented Primary Care

Maternal and Child Health

Public Health Administration and Policy

Environmental and Occupational Health

Notables

Last year UNMC was ranked 5th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for having one of the best medical schools for primary care. UNMC is also home base for the Global Center for Health Security as well as impressive research funding and endowments in the area of global health.

24

The University of West Florida

College Choice Score: 75.27

Average Net Price: $11,175

The University of West Florida (UWF) is located in Pensacola and is also part of the State University System of Florida. UWF is a moderately sized school with 13k students. In addition to its reputation for its gorgeous campus (located on a natural preserve), UWF is known for its huge online education program.

Features

UWF’s Master of Public Health program is offered fully online and gives students an interdisciplinary education on public health. You can either enroll in the generalist track or specialize in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior. In addition to completing the online coursework (below), you will also be expected to complete a two-semester internship.

Biostatistics for Public Health

Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals

Public Health Policy

Environmental Health

Notables

Forbes, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and The Princeton Review all rank UWF well. It is considered one of America’s Top Colleges and one of the country’s Best Southeastern Colleges too. UWF is also known for its commitment to low tuition rates.

25

Idaho State University

College Choice Score: 69.16

Average Net Price: $13,301

Idaho State University (ISU) is located in Pocatello, Idaho. It is a public research university that offers nearly 300 academic degrees. ISU is considered one of Idaho’s leading institution for health and medical education. Over 13k students attend.

Features

Though the MPH program at ISU is fully online, it is offered through a rigorous and asynchronous model. Meaning, you will participate in a learning module with peer collaboration and due dates. However, through ISU’s program, and through the classes below, you will gain a fundamental understanding of public health prevention, planning, and education.

Social and Cultural Perspectives in Public Health

Leadership and Administration

U.S. and Global Health Systems

Technological Applications in Public Health

Notables

Despite its size, ISU boasts a remarkably small student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1. Furthermore, ISU draws students from all across the country and world. All states are represented on campus and nearly 60 countries from around the world as well.

26

East Tennessee State University

College Choice Score: 68.44

Average Net Price: $14,915

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public university and a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. ETSU is organized into a dozen colleges, including the College of Public Health. More than 15k students attend classes on the Johnson City campus and online.

Features

The online MPH program through East Tennessee State uniquely focuses on community health education and promotion. Through a curriculum that extensively covers population intervention and health implementation, the ETSU program trains students to create and implement effective health policy. Classes include:

Health Communications

Rural Health Research and Practice

Consulting and Implementation of Health Programs

Community Health Assessment Research

Notables

ETSU is consistently lauded for its affordability by The Princeton Review. Likewise, its medical and health programs are top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Outside of the classroom, ETSU is also known for its proximity to the popular Appalachian Trail and its Roan Mountain.

27

Kent State University

College Choice Score: 68.12

Average Net Price: $18,180

Located in Kent, Ohio, Kent State University (KSU) is a public research institution. Though it was first founded as a teacher’s training school, today KSU offers hundreds of degree options. In fact, it is one of the largest universities in Ohio with an enrollment of nearly 40k students.

Features

Kent State offers an online MPH degree that is at once interdisciplinary and in-depth. At KSU you will learn how to apply theoretical principles to health behavior problems. And you will graduate ready for a career in clinical, nonprofit, health education, government, or public settings. Kent State’s MPH comes with five areas in which to specialize:

Biostatistics

Environmental Health Sciences

Epidemiology

Health Policy and Management

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Notables

While Carnegie includes Kent among its top 100 best research universities ranking, U.S. News & World Report includes it among its top 100 best public universities. Many of its departments also receive wide praise, include its health, medicine, and nursing program.

28

University of Vermont

College Choice Score: 67.94

Average Net Price: $17,816

The University of Vermont (UVM) is one of the nation’s oldest universities. It was originally founded as an agricultural state school, but now is made up of 10 colleges and schools across all academic disciplines. UVM is based in Burlington, Vermont.

Features

At UVM you will learn all about health policy, advocacy, and systems in order to become a leader in public health advancement. The online MPH program is offered through the renowned University of Vermont Medical Center, and it includes specializations in the following:

Behavioral Science and Health Education

Biostatistics

Environmental Health

Epidemiology

Health Services Administration

Notables

UVM is a flagship university and is considered one of the eight original Public Ivy institutions. It is well ranked by U.S. News & World Report and it was recently included in Forbes’ list of “America’s Top Colleges.”

29

University of Illinois at Chicago

College Choice Score: 66.96

Average Net Price: $11,571

The Chicago branch within the esteemed University of Illinois System (UIC) is a public, research school. It is comprised of 15 colleges and schools that proffer a range of degrees at all academic levels. UIC is one of the largest schools in Chicago, with around 30k students.

Features

At UIC you can learn at your own pace or collaborate with a virtual cohort to earn your online MPH degree. UIC offers an Master of Public Health in Policy and Administration, which is an ideal degree for those who want a broad level of understanding and implementing healthcare policy. You can even specialize further by concentrating in informatics. Coursework at UIC covers:

Determinants of Population Health

Public Health systems, Policy, and Management

Social Ethics and Public Health

The U.S. Healthcare System

Notables

UIC is known for its vibrant research activity and for being consistently ranked among the top universities nationwide, by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Washington Monthly, and Times Higher Education, among others. UIC also has some of the highest research funding among all national universities.

30

University of Alabama at Birmingham

College Choice Score: 65.50

Average Net Price: $16,092

The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) is a public university with over 20k undergraduates and grad students. A research-driven school, it is the state’s only designated RI research institution. The UAB Health System is one of the country’s largest, most respected academic medical centers.

Features

Through UAB’s online MPH program you will learn how to develop evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs. You will also be able to deftly apply theoretical principles of care to diverse communities, including local to global populations. Some of the classes you’ll take while at UAB include:

Intervention Development

Health Program Evaluation

Public Health Integrative Experience

Advanced Theory in Public Health

Notables

UAB is a top-ranked university according to U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Washington Monthly, and Washington Monthly. And when it comes to its medical programs, UAB’s rankings soar even higher. It is among the top 20 universities receiving federal funding for its health sciences research.

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Northeast Ohio Medical University

College Choice Score: 65.50

Average Net Price: $23,496

Located in Rootstown, Ohio, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is a public health sciences university. It is notably community-oriented and interprofessional, and it is a small university. Under 1k students attend.

Features

The NEOMED Master of Public Health degree teaches analytic skills, research strategies, community assessment methods and more. It ensures you graduate ready to improve community health, specifically through policy development and in the area of environmental health. The NEOMED core includes classes such as:

Biostatistics in Public Health

Grant Writing for Public Health Practices

Health Services Administration

Environmental Health Sciences

Notables

NEOMED’s relationships and affiliations set it apart from most other medical schools and health science universities. For example, it has 24 hospital partners, over 100 pharmacy partners, and it maintains relationships with four public universities across the state.

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University of South Florida-Main Campus

College Choice Score: 64.90

Average Net Price: $11,398

Located in Tampa,the University of South Florida (USF) is a large public research institution with over 48k undergraduate and graduate students. USF is one of Florida’s top-ranked schools and part of the larger State University System of Florida. It is organized into 14 colleges that proffer more than 200 academic degrees.

Features

USF offers an online Master of Public Health degree that provides real-world, hands-on learning experience. While taking classes on epidemiology, evidence-based care, and public health policy, students also intern at an array of organizations, such as the Center for Disease Control. Some of the more unique specialization areas, which you won’t find elsewhere on our list, include:

Nutrition and Dietetics

Global Disaster Management

Infection Control

Social Marketing

Notables

USF boasts a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education for its commitment to clean energy across campus. It is also well-ranked for its academic excellence, placing 140th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

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University of South Carolina-Columbia

College Choice Score: 61.94

Average Net Price: $19,913

A member of the larger University of South Carolina System, the Columbia (USC) branch is a public research institution. Over 50k combined undergraduate and graduate students attend USC and are enrolled in one of the nearly 400 academic programs offered.

Features

The two-year, online Master of Public Health degree at USC specifically focuses on health promotion, education, and behavior. Students are trained to become leaders and advocates for healthy community change. And they learn how to develop effective education programs that promote and incite community advancement. Some of USC’s classes include:

Approaches and Concepts for Health Administration

Methods in Health Promotion

Planning Health Promotion Programs

Community Health Development

Notables

The University of South Carolina is a flagship university and a top-ranked school. It is ranked among the 100 best universities in the country by ARWU, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly. Likewise, it is considered an “Up-and-coming” university by U.S. News.

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Nova Southeastern University

College Choice Score: 60.73

Average Net Price: $25,344

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is located in Fort Lauderdale and is a private university. It is organized into 18 colleges and schools, through which it offers approximately 200 academic areas of study. However, NSU is perhaps best known for its professional degree programs in business, health, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, and more.

Features

Nova Southeastern offers a comprehensive Master of Public Health degree with courses that can be fully completed online. However, it is expected you will participate in campus events a couple times during the program. Through this degree experience you will learn how to prevent disease, develop effective programs, and enhance clinical practice. Classes include:

Epidemiology

Health Policy, Planning, and Management

Social and Behavioral Sciences Applied to Health

Legal and Ethical Issues in Public Health

Notables

Nova Southeastern University has one of the oldest, most well-established distance education programs in the country. It was founded in the 1980s and has been going strong since. On top of this, NSU is top ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Washington Monthly.

35

The University of Montana

College Choice Score: 60.18

Average Net Price: $13,894

The University of Montana (UM) is located in Missoula and is one of the country’s prominent research universities. It is organized into nearly a dozen colleges and schools, including its highly regarded Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences and the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences.

Features

Through the UM online Master of Public Health program students develop inter- and multidisciplinary understandings of health. They work on communication style while also gaining crucial knowledge of policy, legislation, and both quantitative and qualitative strategies for public health. UM’s 42 required credits consist of classes on:

Rural Health Issues in a Global Context

Ethical Issues in Public Health

Public Health Administration and Management

Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health

Notables

UM has graduated dozens of Rhodes, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall Scholars. Naturally, it is well-ranked by U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly. And UM is known for its huge research contributions in the health fields.